3yr Surgiversary Today!

Hi Everybody, This is my first time visiting the graduates forum so go easy on me. I'm a three-year graduate as of today and have basically maintained my weight for a year and a half.  I bounce between 247 and 260 but usually sit right around 255.  My original goal was 175 and I haven't given up on that quite yet. I know I don't exercise like I should (though MUCH more than I ever did). I drink when I eat. I make bad choices sometimes but still try to stick to the protein heavy (and protein first) mantra. Some days I feel like I can eat anything (and about as much of it as I desire) but then some days I can barely get 10 bites in -- so I guess I haven't quite broken my pouch yet.. but I don't like that my old habit of pushing the envelope has crept back up on me. In reading the first few post titles on the main page, here, I noticed something called the Five Day Pouch Reset? Can anyone give me a Reader's Digest version?  I'd love to get myself back on track and start using my tool again like I know I can. Thanks!

Happy Surgiversary!!!!  Here's a copy and paste from the 5 Day Pouch Test Web Site for a "Reader's Digest" version of what the test entails: Does my pouch still work? Have I broken my pouch? Have I ruined my tool?

These are questions many weight loss surgery post-ops find themselves asking occasionally during their journey. Perhaps it feels like we can eat more food or we know that we are eating more food. Sometimes these questions are asked when there has been a weight regain.

This is the 5-day plan that I have developed and used to determine if my pouch is working and return to that tight newbie feeling. And a bonus to this plan, it helps one get back to the basics of the weight loss surgery diet and it triggers weight loss. Also, it is not difficult to follow and if you are in a stage of carb-cycling it will break this pattern. Sounds pretty good, right?

The 5 Day Pouch Test should never leave you feeling hungry. You can eat as much of the prescribed menu as you want during the day to satiate hungry and prevent snacking on slider foods and/or white carbs. You must drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. A reduction of caffeinated beverages is suggested, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey.

Weight loss is not the intent of the 5 Day Pouch Test, however, many who have tried this plan report a significant drop in weight. More importantly they celebrate a renewed sense of control over their pouch and eating habits and easily transition back to a healthy post-surgical weight loss way of eating.

Below you will find a brief list of the menu for each day. Please click the "Read more" links for further detail and hints and tips that will enable your success with the 5 Day Pouch Test.

Days One & Two: Liquid Protein low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding. Read more.

Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Read more.

Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Read more.

Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game Read more.

I'm not sure if all the links will work or not, as I literally copied and pasted from the web site to here; but here again is a direct link to the web site to read for yourself what it's all about.  5 Day Pouch Test

Hi Traci, Thanks for taking the time to post that for me.  I really appreciate it!!  

Hi Stef! Congratulations on 3yrs and on maintaining your weightloss! I don't believe you've broken your pouch~it will still work if you work it! Good Luck and hope to see you around here often!